Gary Darling: Just like Arnold promised... I'm back

Gary Darling

Thursday

Mar 29, 2012 at 12:01 AMMar 29, 2012 at 5:47 PM

Then I strapped on the hard hat, rolled up my sleeves and dived in, and it was too much for me. Factor in that I was working the second shift and missing my family terribly, and you have a recipe that is doomed for failure.

So here I am, back at the Daily (Mo.) Forum. Surprise!

For those that have read my column in the past, I revealed a few weeks ago that I?was leaving for a new endeavor. Though I loved that endeavor, I found out something about myself as well as the real world out there.

What I learned is that the working man is the heart and soul of this nation. I mean, I knew that, but I never really experienced it in such a way as I?did this past few weeks.

You see, I went to work for a plant in town. It is a wonderful place to work, and the people are fantastic, but sometimes the fit between worker and employer just doesn’t work.

Me, I am a behind-the-desk kind of guy. This job was hands in the grease, roll up your shirt sleeves kind of work.

Now let me state that I did like what I?was doing and really appreciated the company and all that they did for me in the short time that I?worked there. I really enjoyed getting to see how they went about their business and how they treated their staff.

I also got to meet some really great guys and gals. From Anita, Pete, Curt, Ken, Ricky and the many others that I?came in contact with, all of them treated me great and were always there when I needed them. But I am just not a factory person.

For those out there that can do this type of work, I applaud you.
Standing ovation time! You guys are awesome.

I have always appreciated the “hard-working” backbone of America. I mean, my dad was one of those men. When you get a chance to get to experience it on a first-hand basis, you really learn to appreciate it even more.

This is backbreaking, earn-every-penny type of work. This is the kind of job that everyone thinks they can do but never truly appreciates those who do it. I must admit I was one of those.

Then I strapped on the hard hat, rolled up my sleeves and dived in, and it was too much for me. Factor in that I was working the second shift and missing my family terribly, and you have a recipe that is doomed for failure.

In closing, though, I really want to thank all those that were pulling for me at my last location of employment. Your kind words and encouragement was appreciated, and it meant the world to me.

For my buddy Ken, who took me under his wing and showed me the ways of the world,?I am going to miss you, man. You are a pretty good dude. Understand, Ken, this wasn’t your fault that I didn’t succeed; I just wasn’t a good fit.

To everyone else out there who doesn’t appreciate the hard-working Americans, maybe you should spend a week working the line. I guarantee you will look at that type a work in a whole new light and truly understand what these great workers mean to our country.

Gary Darling is the geekiest employee at the Maryville (Mo.) Daily Forum. His online blog address is: justanewdad.blogspot.com
& his email is: gdarling@maryvilledailyforum.com.
Drop him a line sometime!

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